In Loving Memory of Dr. Brad Warner, MD – Beloved Pediatric Surgeon, Educator, and Friend
The medical community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Dr. Brad Warner, MD, a respected pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and professor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Warner’s unexpected passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his colleagues, students, patients, and the countless families whose lives he touched through his decades of dedicated service.
Widely known for his exceptional talent in pediatric surgery, Dr. Warner was more than just a skilled physician — he was a healer in the truest sense, combining unmatched technical expertise with boundless empathy. His legacy is one of compassion, mentorship, and humanity, marked by his unwavering commitment to caring for some of the most vulnerable patients: children.
A Passionate Journey in Medicine
Dr. Warner’s remarkable journey in medicine began at the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, where he laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished and impactful career. His early passion for surgery quickly evolved into a calling, one that would shape the lives of thousands.
He completed his training and rose through the ranks to become one of the most highly regarded pediatric surgeons in the region. At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Dr. Warner played a pivotal role in developing innovative surgical techniques, advancing patient care, and supporting families through difficult and often life-altering procedures. His contributions helped position the hospital as a leader in pediatric healthcare.
As a professor at WashU Medicine, Dr. Warner was equally committed to shaping the future of medicine. He mentored generations of medical students and residents, not only teaching the science of surgery but modeling the human connection that is so essential in the healing profession. His students often described him as a teacher who saw potential in everyone and who gave his time freely, even when he had little to spare.
Remembered as a Brilliant and Kind Soul
Colleagues and friends have come forward to share stories and tributes that paint a picture of a man who was not only brilliant in the operating room but deeply kind and thoughtful in every interaction. One former colleague, Dr. Marla Matar, spoke with emotion about their early days working together at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati. She recalled how evident it was, even then, that Dr. Warner’s heart beat for his patients. His brilliance was never cold or distant — it was warm, personal, and infused with deep care.
A Life Beyond the Hospital Walls
Outside of medicine, Dr. Warner had a deep love for photography — a passion that allowed him to express his creativity and see the world from new angles. His dear friend, Kent Williamson, shared memories of their many adventures together, capturing the beauty of the natural world through a lens. From wide-open landscapes to quiet moments shared on the road, their travels reflected the same gentleness and curiosity that Brad brought into his work.
Williamson described Brad as a protector — not just of his patients, but of the people and things that mattered most. “He saw the light in the world,” he said. “And he tried to preserve it, whether through a healing hand or a perfectly captured photo.”
An Irreplaceable Loss
Dr. Warner’s passing is not only a loss for the field of pediatric surgery but for every life he touched. He was a guiding light to students, a source of strength to families, and a trusted colleague and friend to many. His impact goes beyond medicine — it lives on in the lessons he taught, the kindness he extended, and the hope he gave to so many.
As the St. Louis community, along with the greater medical world, comes to terms with this loss, one thing remains certain: Dr. Brad Warner’s legacy will endure. It will live in the skilled hands of the surgeons he mentored, in the hearts of the children he helped heal, and in the memories of all who knew him.
Rest in peace, Dr. Warner. Your life was a gift, and your legacy is a light that will never dim.